Aquarium of the Pacific

Sitting on Rainbow Harbor you’ll find one of Long Beach’s top attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific. Home to more than 11,000 aquatic animals and approximately 500 species, there is much to see throughout their 32 exhibits. In fact, many people arrive at opening time and don’t leave until closing. Get up close to playful seals and sea lions, visit a lagoon with more than 150 sharks, see ultraviolet sea animals against a black light, take in otherworldly jellyfish of all shapes and sizes and roam the numerous indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Many of the exhibits are also interactive, allowing you to pet fish, manta rays and even small sharks; feed birds in the Lorikeet Forest; and partake in tropical reef feedings. Check the schedule when you arrive to see what shows and lectures are going on for the day. If you’re traveling as a family, stop at the desk to pick up special worksheets and scavenger hunt-like tasks for kids to fill out while exploring the museum.

Along with taking in the exhibits visitors can partake in a number of special experiences at Aquarium of the Pacific. While a 4D movie tells the story of Sammy the Sea Turtle and his underwater friends, a Behind the Scenes Tour provides a sneak peek into daily operations at the aquarium. The attraction also offers a number of boat tours for whale watching, dolphin viewing and exploring the harbor.

Practical Info

Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach and is open daily from 9am to 6pm. It is closed on Christmas Day and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach in April. General admission is $25.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 3 to 11, and $22.95 for seniors 62 and over.